Passie van Christus by Hendrick Goltzius

Christ sits in the center, physically clinging to a large wooden cross while looking toward a divine light in the heavens. To his left, the allegorical figures of Faith and Obedience witness his sacrifice, while a dead infant lies at their feet symbolizing the death of the old self. The elaborate border contains circular medallions featuring symbolic animals like the pelican and the lion, alongside narrative scenes from the trial and crucifixion of Jesus.

This work demonstrates the Renaissance use of 'emblematic' meditation, where complex visual symbols are used to lead the viewer toward an internal spiritual transformation. It connects to the Northern European tradition of the Devotio Moderna and the 'Imitatio Christi', which emphasized a personal, mystical union with the suffering of Christ as a path to divine wisdom.

Inscriptions(Latin)

PASSIO CHRI. Tunc accesserunt, et manus iniecerunt in Iesum: et tenuerunt eum. Mat. 26. In hoc apparuit Charitas Dei in nobis, quoniam vnigenitu[m] misit Deus in mundum vt viuamus per eu[m]. I. Ioa. 4. Leo de tribu Iuda. Apo. 5. Aries inter vepres Gen. 22. Justitia. 1. Cor. 1. Gladius acutus. Isa. 49. Mons sanctus. Ier. 33. Templum. Ioan. 2. Altare. Hebr. 13. Pellicanus Psal. 101. Coepit contristari et maest- esse: Tunc ait illis: Tristis est anima mea usque ad mortem. Matth. 26. Tunc expuerunt in faciem eius: et colaphis eu[m] cecideru[n]t alij autem palmas in faciem eius dederunt. Mat. 26. Tunc dimisit illis Baraba: Iesum autem flagellatum tradidit eis vt crucifigeret. Matth. 27. Et plectentes coronam de spinis, posuerunt super caput eius, et arundinem in dextera eius. Matth. 27. Et baiulans sibi cruce[m] exiuit in eum qui dicitur Caluariae locum, hebraice Golgatha. Ioan. 19. Et crucifigentes eum, diuiserunt vestimenta eius mittentes sortem, quis quid tolleret. Marc. 15. Venerunt in locu[m] qui vocatur Caluariae, ibi crucifixerunt eum. Luc. 23. Si autem mortui sumus cum Christo: credimus quia simul etiam viuemus cu[m] Christo. Rom. 6. Christo igitur passo in carne, et vos eadem cogitatione armamini. quia qui passus in carne, desijt a p[ec]c[at]is: vt ia[m] no[n] desyderijs hoi[nu]m, sed voluntati Dei quod reliqui[m] in carne est viuat temporis. 1 Pet. 4.

Translation

THE PASSION OF CHRIST.

Then they came, and laid hands on Jesus: and they held him. Mat. 26.

In this the charity of God appeared towards us, because God hath sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we may live by him. 1 Jo. 4.

The Lion of the tribe of Judah. Apoc. 5.
A ram among the briers. Gen. 22.
Justice. 1 Cor. 1.
A sharp sword. Isa. 49.
The holy mount. Jer. 33.
The temple. John 2.
The altar. Heb. 13.
The pelican. Psalm 101.

He began to grow sorrowful and to be sad: Then he saith to them: My soul is sorrowful even unto death. Matth. 26.
Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him: and others struck his face with the palms of their hands. Mat. 26.
Then he released to them Barabbas: and having scourged Jesus, delivered him unto them to be crucified. Matth. 27.
And platting a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand. Matth. 27.
And bearing his own cross, he went forth to that place which is called Calvary, but in Hebrew Golgotha. John 19.
And crucifying him, they divided his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. Mark 15.

They came to the place which is called Calvary, and there they crucified him. Luke 23.

But if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall live also together with Christ. Rom. 6. Christ therefore having suffered in the flesh, be you also armed with the same thought: for he that hath suffered in the flesh, hath ceased from sins: that now he may live the rest of his time in the flesh, not after the desires of men, but according to the will of God. 1 Pet. 4.

Passie van Christus

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